Health Services Award Pay Rise April 2026 — New Rates for Nurses, Allied Health & Support Workers

The Fair Work Commission increased minimum pay rates under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award (MA000027) as part of its gender-based undervaluation review. The first tranche of increases took effect from the first full pay period on or after 1 April 2026.

This isn't a normal annual wage review bump. The FWC found that workers in female-dominated health roles have been systematically underpaid compared to equivalent male-dominated industries. This decision starts correcting that.

The changes include both higher minimum rates and updated classification structures — meaning some roles have been reclassified into higher pay bands entirely.

You're covered if you work under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award. That includes:

• Allied health professionals: physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech pathologists, psychologists, social workers, dietitians, podiatrists
• Dental workers: dental hygienists, dental therapists, dental assistants
• Support workers: health support services employees, personal care workers, hospital orderlies
• Technical staff: medical laboratory technicians, radiographers, pharmacy technicians

If you're not sure which award you're on, use our pay rate lookup tool to check.

The exact increase depends on your classification level. The FWC's decision includes:

• New minimum rates for each classification level — typically ranging from 3% to 8% above the previous rate, depending on the role
• Updated classification descriptions — some workers will find their role now sits in a higher classification
• Progression changes — clearer pathways between classification levels

This is the first tranche of increases. Further increases are expected as the FWC continues its gender undervaluation review across other awards.

Check your exact rate with our pay calculator.

Your employer is legally required to pay the new rates from the first full pay period on or after 1 April 2026. If your pay hasn't changed:

• Step 1: Check your payslip against the new pay guide on the Fair Work website
• Step 2: Raise it with your employer or payroll team in writing — email is best so you have a record
• Step 3: If they don't fix it, use our underpayment checker to calculate what you're owed
• Step 4: Lodge a complaint with the Fair Work Ombudsman — it's free and confidential

Remember, intentional wage underpayment is now a criminal offence in Australia, with penalties up to $7.8 million for companies.

The Fair Work Commission launched its gender-based undervaluation priority awards review after finding that certain awards covering predominantly female workforces had pay rates that didn't properly reflect the value, skill, and responsibility of the work.

Health and care work has historically been undervalued because it was seen as "women's work." The FWC is systematically reviewing awards where this gender-based undervaluation exists and adjusting rates upward.

The Health Services Award is the first cab off the rank. Other awards — including aged care, early childhood education, and disability support — are also under review.

If you work in health or allied health:

• Check your classification: The new decision may have changed which level you sit at. Review the updated classification descriptions
• Compare your pay: Use our pay calculator to see if you're being paid correctly under the new rates
• Check your payslip: Your first payslip under the new rates should reflect the increase. If it doesn't, speak up
• Tell your colleagues: Many workers don't know about this change. Share this article with anyone in health or allied health